Happy Tuesday, everyone! My goodness, I had a lot of response to THIS CARD that appeared yesterday on Stamper's Showcase on the Stampin' Up! Demonstrator website. After numerous e-mails asking how I got this shape from the Top Note die, I thought I would post this little trick on my blog today. It's very simple, really. You just run your cardstock through the Top Note Bigz Die more than once, each time turning it on a different angle. First, you simply cut out a Top Note Die-cut as you normally would. Then, you place that die-cut back onto the Top Note Die, this time turning it 90 degrees (be careful to get it centered and straight) and then run it back through the Big Shot Machine. As you can see from the photo, you will get two little "bracket" pieces (that can be used on another project) and then you will get this really cool, stylized square shape, which is what I used in my card on Stamper's Showcase and the one that I've created for you today. Now, I need to tell you that this is not my original idea. Mary Jo Price-Williams first came up with this cool little trick in January and if you click on her name, you'll see her original post which will show what you can do with the Top Note Die when you pass it through the Big Shot even more times, each time changing the angle a bit! HERE'S another example of what I did, using the Just Buzzin' By stamp set and this technique.
Okay, now to today's project. I wanted to give you another peek into some of the great things to come next week when YOU can order from the new catalog! Here you can see that I cut the Top Note using the new Melon Mambo In Color, and passed it through the Big Shot twice for this frame. I used the Razzle Dazzle stamp set, and colored directly on the rubber stamp with the new In Color markers. Yes, you heard me right. Starting next week, you will be able to purchase a set of In Color Markers! How cool is that! I also used Melon Mambo as the 
cardbase, a layer of Dusty Durango and another layer of Rassleberry Lemonade Designer Series Paper and some of the fabulous new Polka Dot Grosgrain ribbon. Here's a peek at the inside of the card, using another image from the stamp set.
Here's a closer look at the new markers, ribbon and stamp set used on this card! Remember, you can begin ordering from the new Idea Book and Catalog beginning July 1st -- that's just a week away! Click to view a larger image!
Have you seen my latest Class-on-the-Go Kit? It's this darling three-piece Camping Gift Set using the Under the Stars Stamp Set. You can purchase the class Kit or simply order the tutorial! Either way, it's a darling project for summer fun! Click HERE for more information and to place your order today!
I hope I've inspired you today! And I hope you come back soon for more ideas and inspiration!
Until then, blessings, Gretchen
Thank you so much! Love this.
Posted by: Cheryl M | June 23, 2009 at 07:45 AM
Thanks for sharing, Gretchen. I didn't discover blogs until April, so I had missed Mary-Jo's tutorial on this. It was very informative and VERY COOL! You make some awsome things. I love you blog!
Posted by: Tory B | June 23, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Thank you, Gretchen! What a great idea - I just tried it.
Posted by: Sue duffy | June 23, 2009 at 08:09 PM
What an awesome idea!!! Thanks for sharing. I just love your blog.
Posted by: Cristy | June 23, 2009 at 08:10 PM
Thanks for sharing this great idea. I definitely will be trying this. I love my Top Note die and think it is one of the most versatile items SU has come out with.
Posted by: lisa808 | June 24, 2009 at 04:05 AM
Congratulations on getting on the SS. I really need to send in some samples for that. I am way too lazy. Thanks also for the link back to my tutorial. I love what you did with this. Great inspiration.
Posted by: Mary Jo Price-Williams | June 24, 2009 at 05:39 AM
Thank you for sharing this technique! Very simple, yet something I would've never come up with on my own!!
Posted by: June | June 24, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Thanks for sharing Gretchen and not to dis Mary Jo but Angela Dively posted a tutorial for this little trick in September of 2008. A few months before Mary Jo. On the other hand I'm sure this was something quite a few people came up with independently as it's a natural thing to try and we are all wishing that SU would carry Nesties too.
Hugs from a sister demo - Jean
Posted by: Jean Fitch | June 24, 2009 at 06:14 PM
Oops for got to give Angela's link to her tutorial:
http://www.beeninking.com/2008/09/top-note-how-to.html
Blessings - Jean
Posted by: Jean Fitch | June 24, 2009 at 06:15 PM